The final entry in the Atlas trilogy does well to close out the story of the titular cast by reflecting on their journeys thus far and letting each reach conclusions that make logical sense for the character. There are a couple missteps in the storytelling aspect however.

The story introduces members of another group to the detriment of the pacing as these characters mean nothing in the overall narrative. Their motivations are relatively one dimensional and this “glimpse behind the curtain” does nothing but increase the number of pages. These characters do not have substantial development and we did not see their beginnings, so there was no point in providing their perspective. After two books of getting to know the Atlas Six I really wanted to get to the crux of their purposes which hadn’t been touched on as much. This book does deliver in that regard, but with the introduction and subsequent writing off of The Forum, it feels like these chapters were a waste of words. When it does return focus to the Atlas Six we finally get to the heart of the narrative.

Their relationships are still dependent on one another, but they have each grown into their own as well. When they have their final chapters, it feels like their grand journey has come to a satisfying conclusion, in most cases. One character’s ending is left to interpretation, as a dream sequence does not provide a clear answer to the reality of the experience. While this idea is fine, some other stories peter off and do not have a satisfying resolution. This is frustrating from a reader’s perspective, but overall does contribute to the main message of the story as a whole. I believe the heart of this series has always been its characters. They are all damaged and must find a way to carry on in a world that is unforgiving and cruel. Each of them had to find a reason for being, whether that be a desire to help the world or simply acknowledging how much you love the person next to you your entire life. Coping with our own weakness, recognizing it and fighting against it to do what is necessary, and hopefully right. Realizing we do not have all the answers and turning to others for help, instead of driving forward with no direction. Everyone needs help sometimes. All of these messages are well integrated into the writing; I just wish the world and plot as a whole made sense.

The overall storyline is convoluted, and while it does drive the characters to change their perspective, it's more of a vessel for the cast to ride in. Though some of the writing is very blatant in its societal critiques and the language is severely stylized in an almost obnoxious way, it gets the job done. The series as a whole is a journey of development in the face of internal and external opposition. They could not have received the enlightenment they desperately needed if not for one another. Experiences and relationships make us who we are. It is the entire reason for being. This series did well to remind me that we are not designed to do this alone. I hope it does that for others as well.